Fears have been raised that families in Hull switching to Universal Credit will have to resort to foodbanks, with benefits claimants urged to get their paperwork sorted ahead of next week’s controversial rollout.

Next Wednesday, Hull will join other cities and towns across the country in becoming a full service area for the new benefit which will replace Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Working and Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit.

However, instead of receiving praise, Universal Credit has received a lot of criticism, with even Hull City Council admitting that some will be worse off on the new benefit.

With full service just around the corner, Hull Live asked Hull City Council and the Citizens Advice Bureau for the best advice ahead of the rollout so that people on benefits are able to enjoy Christmas and new year with money to their name.

What is Universal Credit and who can claim it?

Universal Credit will be rolled out across Hull in December (Image: Copyright Unknown)

Watch above: Universal Credit - explained

As explained above, Universal Credit is a new benefit which has been introduced to help people with their living costs. It is paid monthly and will replace a number of benefits which are being taken out of the equation in a bid to streamline the system.

It can currently be claimed by any jobseeker who has less than three children. Anyone who is responsible for three or more children cannot make a new claim for Universal Credit until February 1, 2019.

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Universal Credit news

You may be eligible for Universal Credit if you’re on a low income or out of work. Whether you can claim depends on where you live and your circumstances and you must live in a ‘full digital service area.’ Any claim will need to take into account a partner’s income and savings.

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"That's a problem because Universal Credit includes what's known as the 'Housing Element' - this replaces Housing Benefit. Some people have been accumulating two or three-month rent arrears.

"This has been alleviated to a degree after the Department for Work and Pensions scrapped the automatic seven-day waiting period for the first payment. People are also encouraged to apply for an advance payment."

Single claimants under 25 could receive just £250 a month (Image: Getty)

The amount awarded to each claimant will depend on every person's income and circumstances.

Your basic allowance will depend on whether you are single or claiming as a couple, and your age. Here is a rough guide to what you could receive:

How has Hull City Council prepared for the rollout

Hull City Council has been working with the DWP ahead of the rollout (Image: PA)

With Hull one of the last places to become a full service area, the council has had time to take stock of the impact Universal Credit has had on residents in other authorities.

Early problems it has encountered include significant delays of six to 10 weeks with first payments and an increase in debt and evictions.

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However, from this, it has been able to implement certain regimes so that it is in the best shape possible ahead of the switch.

To prepare, the council has had regular meetings with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), it has created a dedicated team in housing to work on ‘full service’ Universal Credit cases and it has carried out training with over 400 front line staff.

It is expecting a rapid increase in the number of arrears cases with 50 new claimants set to move onto Universal Credit every week in the area.

Cllr Mike Thompson (right) says the council will do 'everything it can' to support those affected by Universal Credit (Image: Jerome Ellerby)

What is Universal Credit?

Universal Credit is being introduced in stages across Great Britain by postcode area. Whether you can claim it and the way you manage your claim depends on where you live and your personal circumstances.

Universal Credit replaces six working age benefits. These are:

Income Support

Jobseekers Allowance (income based)

Employment and Support Allowance (income based)

Housing Benefit

Working Tax Credit

Child Tax Credit

Universal Credit aims to make you better off when you are working. There are no limits to the number of hours you can work a week, your Universal Credit gradually reduces as you earn more. This means in future it is easier to start a new job or work more hours.

(source: Hull City Council)

With Britannia House now the biggest JobCentre in the country, the council knows it faces a huge challenge and it is predicting an initial period of “volatility” until arrears levels stabilise. However, the council insists it will do everything it can to help new claimants struggling with the switch.

Councillor Mike Thompson, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods, communities and environment, said: “The council has worked extensively with the DWP and other partners ahead of the introduction of Universal Credit in Hull, to ensure there is as much support as possible.

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“We have looked at best practice from other local authorities and have dedicated housing and customer service centre trained staff to help residents.

“We are doing everything we can to support those who will be affected by the new Universal Credit scheme.”

What help does the council offer to struggling families?

(Image: Getty)

The council does provide help to residents who are struggling due to low income or other financial hardship.

If you receive housing benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit and are struggling to pay your rent or perhaps even a deposit to secure a tenancy, you may be able to apply for Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP).

You can claim these if you have the following:

Unavoidable extra expenses because of special circumstances, such as disabilities, health problems or urgent debts.

Difficulty paying rent, while you are trying to find a cheaper property.

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Any part of your rent that is for services and not eligible for Housing Benefit (for example water rates, heating, meals).

Increases to rent to collect outstanding arrears.

Loss of income if a claim for jobseekers allowance or income support has been suspended or you have had a sanction on your claim.

A shortfall caused by the recovery of overpaid housing benefit.

To claim, you have to fill out a DHP application form, which can be found on the council website.

The best tips for new claimants

The council says some will be 'worse off' in Hull under Universal Credit (Image: Getty)

You might not be surprised but preparation is the key. Claimants who are struggling can apply for advance payments which are repayable over a 12-month period but you need to have the right documents to hand to access these payments.

Back in May, Mr Coish urged people to get their paperwork ready and now he has revealed what claimants will need to secure advance Universal Credit payments.

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He said: “In order to get advance payments, you have to provide evidence in two parts. One part is evidence of your identity which will enable you to get personal allowance of Universal Credit in advance.

“The second issue is proof of your housing costs, so in order to get the second half of your payment you have to have evidence of your housing costs.

“For council tenants that should be OK because there is an online portal with all that information. However, if you rent privately you need an up to date copy of your tenancy agreement.”

Help is available at The Wilson Centre

Mr Coish said that some people will be forced to lean on charitable payments and potentially even foodbanks due to the switch, with disabled people and young single parents some of those set to be worse off under Universal Credit.

However, he said the doors are always open at The Wilson Centre in Alfred Gelder Street to help those who are struggling or need advice.

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Customers looking to make the switch should contact the DWP Universal Credit helpline on 08003285644 with any queries or call into the Hull JobCentre at the top of Spring Bank at the junction with Ferensway.

Information is also available on the council website, including a calculator which will give you an estimate of what you will receive based on your current circumstances.

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